Waller County court certifies appraisal roll and proposes 55.6187¢ tax rate; hearing set for Sept. 17

Waller County Commissioners Court on Sept. 3 certified the county appraisal roll for 2025 and voted to propose a total tax rate of 55.6187 cents per $100 of valuation, setting a public hearing for Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Joe Cuchemba Annex in Hempstead.

The court certified a taxable value of $14,966,000,228, officials said during the meeting, and discussed that the certified appraisal roll showed an increase compared with prior years. The proposed rate was presented as a composite of several components: a general fund rate of 43.9463¢ per $100 valuation, a farm-to-market/flood control rate of 2.3591¢, and a debt service rate of 9.3133¢.

Why it matters: the proposed rate sets the ceiling for Waller County property taxes for 2025; final adoption requires a public hearing and a subsequent vote. The court also confirmed the appraisal roll required under the Property Tax Code.

Details from the meeting: County staff told the court the certified total taxable value is approximately $14.966 billion. Commissioner Walter Smith moved the proposal to set the rate at 55.6187¢ per $100 valuation and to schedule the public hearing for Sept. 17, 2025; the motion was seconded and carried. The court also approved related legal notices for elected official salaries, the proposed tax rate and the budget hearing to satisfy statutory publication requirements.

What happens next: the court will publish the required notices and hold the Sept. 17 public hearing at the Joe Cuchemba Annex in Hempstead. The tax rate will not be final until the court votes to adopt it after the required public notice and hearing process.

Ending: County staff reminded residents the certified appraisal roll documents are available online for public review and that the Sept. 17 hearing is the forum to submit formal comment on the proposed tax rate.